Painting drywall - what could be more straightforward, right? You've
already repaired all the holes and imperfections in the walls, and now
you're ready for the fun part ... color, texture, a little life, and a lot
of atmosphere. The route to making this happen is not singular, but don't
worry, having choices makes the process all the more fun! Here are some of
the many possibilities available for turning your drywall from ordinary to
eye-pleasing.
Textured Paint
In addition to creating subtle or heavy designs, textured paint is a
great technique for covering imperfections or damaged areas that may stand
out from the surrounding surface. A textured paint could substitute for
missing plaster texture.
To achieve your texture you may need some simple tools, like a texture
roller, brush, or trowel. Textures vary from the slightly gritty look of
sandstone to the marble-like appearance of faux painting applied with a
sponge. You can also purchase pre-mixed, textured paints from companies
like Valspar.
Glazing
Quite different from standard latex and oil-based paints, glazes are
often used in decorative painting. These thin, almost transparent layers
can be applied in multiple coats for the desired effect. Glazes are
frequently water-based and used for techniques like faux painting and
stenciling.
Latex and Oil
Latex paints are water-based, have fewer odors, and can be cleaned with
water. This makes them easier to use than oil-based paint. They come in
varying levels of sheen, from flat to high-gloss. Oil-based paints contain
a high amount of mineral spirits and petrochemicals. Oil-based paints take
longer to dry and their tight seal can cause paint to crack. However,
oil-based paints generally have the same color and appearance as latex,
and are favored for durability.
Spraying on Paint
This method provides the best coverage and helps your paint go farther.
Water-based latex, oil, and acrylic can all be applied with a sprayer.
However, many professional painters avoid spraying oil because of the
chemicals that can become airborne. Use the advantage of convenient
application by spraying hard-to-reach ceilings or walls with a textured
finish.
When you want to increase your home's value, repair damaged or worn
surfaces, or simply improve the look of your kitchen, pay attention to
cabinetry. You've got several options for improvement, one of them being a
simple resurface.
To begin with, what condition are your cabinets in?
Are they severely worn or damaged? In this case, you may want to replace
instead of refinish. On the other hand, refinishing bodes well with
kitchen cabinets that hold up some style as well as functionality.
Before you refinish, keep in mind that your technique will vary with
cabinetry type. Some faux cabinets made from rough, inexpensive materials
may not be suitable for most standard finishes. In addition, composite
cabinets are better suited to deep cleaning, painting, or veneering versus
using stains or finishes that would reveal wood grains and result in
inconsistent coloration.
Solid wood is most compatible with a variety of techniques, including
natural finishes, stains, paints, or veneers. As with all home improvement
projects, much of the work takes place during preparation. Prior to
refinishing, use tri sodium phosphate cleaners to fill scratches or mask
imperfections. Sanding is another possibility, as are gels which could
prepare your surfaces without scraping away fine woodwork details.
Now for the finish. You can choose from paint, stain, clear finishes,
or veneer, which requires a large, climate controlled work area. Depending
on which method you select, finishes can be applied with rollers, paint
brushes, rags, or sprays. They should always be applied in well ventilated
areas, and a
kitchen pro should be hired for optimum results.
